‘From N2,000 to N300,000’ — VIO mulls upward review of traffic offence fines in Abuja

The Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) in the federal capital territory (FCT) says it will carry out an upward review of traffic offence fines from N2,000 to N5,000 and  N300,000.

Kalu Emetu, DRTS director of public relations, spoke on Monday during an enlightenment exercise in some selected motor parks in the FCT.

The DRTS is also known as the vehicle inspectorate office (VIO).

Emetu said the DSTS decided to impose stiffer penalties to serve as a deterrent and reduce traffic offences in the territory.

“We are hoping that this development will go a long way in forcing motorists to deem it necessary to obey traffic rules and regulations,” NAN quoted him as saying.

“However, the fines depend on the nature and gravity of the offence.

“For example, if a motorist blocks a particular road, thereby, causing serious traffic gridlock, the vehicle will be impounded immediately while the culprit will be fined N300,000.

“After one week, if the culprit does not show up, the service will have no choice than to approach the court to obtain a certificate of forfeiture.

“If the forfeiture order is granted, the property automatically becomes government property and it is now left for the government to decide what to do with it.”

Emetu said the development is geared towards making sure motorists obey traffic rules and regulations at all times.

“We urge motorists in FCT to obey traffic rules and regulations for their own safety and the safety of others. Otherwise, they will be made to face stiffer penalties,“ he said.

“We also want them to know that it is no longer business as usual. There is a new government in place. So, it is expected of them to have attitudinal change towards road usage.”